Reusable Container Systems

The process for handling reusable containers requires the containers to be taken to a permitted medical waste transfer station or off-site treatment facility for processing. The process consists of decanting the waste, which is then properly treated, sanitizing the container, then returning the container to the healthcare facility for reuse.

Reusable containers can significantly reduce the medical waste stream by removing the weight of the single-use container. One study showed that a 250-bed hospital would reduce its medical waste stream by 13 tons per year from just the weight of the single-use containers. The removal of these plastics from the medical waste stream allows the hospital to implement an ideal pollution prevention intervention. Here is a list of companies offering a reusable container systems (PDF)